Across the Desert
on Goodreads (3,144)
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Jolene spends her days at the library, captivated by her favorite livestream, The Desert Aviator, which features twelve-year-old 'Addie Earhart' and her adventures flying over the desert. As Jolene deals with her mother's narcotic addiction at home, she finds comfort and escape in watching Addie, who is coping with the loss of her father. Their friendship grows through online conversations until one day, Addie's plane crashes in the desert. With the video feed gone dark and knowing Addie won't survive the heat for long, Jolene, armed with a hand-drawn map and a stolen cell phone, takes on a daring rescue mission across the harsh Arizona desert. 'Across the Desert' is a tale of resilience, hope, and the strength found in friendship.
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jolene
Marty
Jolene'S Mother
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Jolene to embark on such a challenging journey across the desert?
How do you think the environment of the desert affected Jolene's adventure?
What qualities do you admire in Jolene, and why?
If you were in Jolene's place, how would you handle the obstacles she faced?
What did you learn from Jolene's experiences that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on Jolene's journey to show it's a safe space for open conversation.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts or characters, and relate those moments to personal experiences or feelings.
Validate your child’s thoughts and feelings, showing that their opinions matter and are respected.
Ask follow-up questions to deepen the discussion, and connect the themes to real-world scenarios to foster empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges while navigating through the desert, showcasing an undying spirit to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting in the face of difficulties, a skill that helps them manage schoolwork and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the characters need to find solutions for food, water, and navigation, promoting critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and problem-solve in various situations such as teamwork in school projects or resolving conflicts among peers.
Example Lesson: Courage to embrace the unknown
Explanation: Embarking on a journey across unfamiliar terrains instills a sense of adventure and bravery in characters.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore new activities, make new friends, and learn from experiences outside their comfort zone.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Survival in harsh conditions is possible through cooperation and support among the characters.
Real-World Application: Teaches the value of collaborative efforts and supporting friends, applicable in group activities and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story underlines the significance of respecting and adapting to the natural environment to survive.
Real-World Application: Educates children on the importance of environmental conservation and understanding the ecological impacts of their actions.